Method and apparatus for interfacing among mobile terminal, base station and core network in mobile telecommunications system

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus and a computer readable record media storing instructions for executing the same method for interfacing among a hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous terminal to a core network in a next generation mobile telecommunications system. The hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous radio network determines the operating type of the core network when the core network has a connection thereto, and sends the determined core network operating type information and information related to the core network to the hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous terminal, thereby allowing the synchronous or asynchronous terminal to smoothly perform a data interfacing operation with the core network.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a technique forinterfacing among a mobile terminal, a base station (BS) and a corenetwork in a next-generation mobile telecommunications system, and moreparticularly to a method, an apparatus and a computer readable recordmedia storing instructions for executing the same method for interfacingamong a hybrid type mobile terminal, a hybrid type base transceiverstation/base station controller (BTS/BSC) and a core network in anext-generation telecommunication system, e.g., an international mobiletelecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) system and so on, in which a hybridtype synchronous or hybrid type asynchronous radio network determines anoperating type of the core network when the core network has aconnection thereto, and sends information about the determined corenetwork operating type and information related to the core network to ahybrid type mobile terminal.

[0002] In more detail, the present invention relates to a method, anapparatus and a computer readable record media storing instructions forexecuting the same method for interfacing among a hybrid type mobileterminal, a hybrid type base transceiver station/base station controller(BTS/BSC) and a core network in a mobile telecommunications system,wherein a hybrid type synchronous radio network having a hybrid typeBTS/BSC determines the operating type of the core network when the corenetwork has a connection thereto, and sends the determined core networkoperating type and information related to the core network to the hybridtype synchronous terminal over a synchronous channel (Sync channel), andthe hybrid type synchronous terminal recognizes the operating type ofthe core network on the basis of the core network operating typeinformation (hereinafter, refers to “CN type”) and sets a protocolaccording to the information related to core network.

[0003] Further, the present invention relates to a method, an apparatusand a computer readable record media for executing the same method forinterfacing an asynchronous terminal and a hybrid type asynchronousBTS/BSC with a core network in a mobile telecommunications system,wherein a hybrid type asynchronous radio network having a hybrid typeasynchronous BTS/BSC determines an operating type of the core networkwhen the core network has a connection thereto, and sends the determinedcore network operating type information and information related to thecore network to a hybrid type asynchronous terminal over a broadcastcontrol channel (BCCH), and the hybrid type asynchronous terminalrecognizes the core network on the basis of the core network operatingtype information and sets a protocol according to the informationrelated to the core network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] In a conventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system, asynchronous terminal is connected to a synchronous radio network (forexample, a CDMA-2000 radio network), and an ANSI-41 network is connectedto a core network.

[0005] In a conventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system,an asynchronous terminal is connected to an asynchronous radio network(for example, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN)), and a global system formobile communications-mobile application part (GSM-MAP) network isconnected to a core network.

[0006]FIG. 1 shows core network interface architectures of theconventional synchronous/asynchronous mobile telecommunication systemsas mentioned above.

[0007]FIG. 1A is a view showing the core network interface architectureof the conventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 11 denotes a synchronous terminal,12 denotes a synchronous radio network (i.e., a code division multipleaccess-2000 (CDMA-2000) radio network) which performs a data interfacingoperation with the synchronous terminal 11 and includes a synchronousbase transceiver station/base station controller (BTS/BSC), and 13denotes a synchronous core network which is connected to the synchronousradio network 12 and includes a synchronous mobile services switchingcenter (MSC) 14 and an ANSI-41 network 15.

[0008] In the above core network interface architecture of theconventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system, thesynchronous terminal 11 can be connected to only the synchronous radionetwork 12 as well known to one skilled in the art, which is in turnconnected to the synchronous core network 13, thereby allowing thesynchronous terminal 11 to be interfaced with only the synchronous corenetwork 13.

[0009]FIG. 1B is a view showing the core network interface architectureof the conventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 21 denotes an asynchronous terminal,22 denotes an asynchronous radio network (i.e., a UTRAN) which includesa base transceiver station (BTS) and a radio network controller (RNC),and 23 denotes an asynchronous core network which includes anasynchronous mobile services switching center (MSC) 24 connected to theUTRAN 22 and a GSM-MAP network 25 connected to the asynchronous MSC 24.

[0010] In the above core network interface architecture of theconventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system, theasynchronous terminal 21 is connected to the asynchronous radio network22 (i.e., UTRAN) which is in turn connected to the asynchronous corenetwork 23, thereby allowing the asynchronous terminal 21 to perform adata interfacing operation with the asynchronous core network 23.

[0011]FIG. 2 shows layered protocol structures of the conventionalsynchronous/asynchronous mobile telecommunication systems as mentionedabove.

[0012]FIG. 2A is a view showing the layered protocol structure of theconventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system. In thisdrawing, the reference numeral 30 denotes a synchronous terminal, 40 asynchronous radio network and 50 a synchronous core network connected tothe synchronous radio network 40.

[0013] The synchronous terminal 30 comprises a layer 3 31, a layer 2 35and a layer 1 36. The layer 3 31 includes a synchronous call control(CC) entity 32 for management of a call and a synchronous mobilitymanagement (MM) entity 33 for management of a mobility.

[0014] The layer 1 36 is a physical layer which offers data transportservices to higher layers and transfers transport blocks over a radiointerface.

[0015] The layer 2 35 is a data link layer which includes following sublayers, a medium access control (MAC) sub layer and a radio link control(RLC) sub layer. However, the sub layers are not shown in this drawing.

[0016] The MAC sub layer offers data transfer services on logicalchannels to a higher layer (RLC sub layer) and on transport channels toa lower layer (the physical layer 36). The MAC sub layer is responsiblefor mapping of the logical channel onto the appropriate transportschannel.

[0017] The RLC sub layer offers data transfer services on primitive to ahigher layer and on logical channels to a lower layer (MAC sub layer).Also, the RLC sub layer performs error correction, duplicate detection,ciphering and flow control of the data.

[0018] The layer 3 31 is a network layer which includes following sublayers, a synchronous radio resource (RR) sub layer, a synchronous callcontrol (CC) entity 32 and a mobility management (MM) entity 33. Insynchronous system, the synchronous RR sub layer is not apparentlyseparated from the others in the layer 3 31.

[0019] The RR sub layer offers data transfer services on primitive to alower layer. (RLC sub layer) and handles a control plane signaling ofthe layer 3 31 between a user equipment (UE) and a synchronous radionetwork. The RR sub layer manages a radio resource. Also, the RR sublayer assigns/re-configures/releases the radio resource to UE/UTRAN.

[0020] The CC entity handles a call control signaling of layer 3 betweenthe UEs and the synchronous radio network.

[0021] The MM entity handles a mobility management signaling of layer 3between the UEs and the synchronous radio network.

[0022] The layers 3 to 1 31, 35 and 36 in the synchronous terminal 30communicate with corresponding layers 41, 45 and 46 in the synchronousradio network 40.

[0023] The synchronous radio network 40 comprises a layer 3 41, a layer2 45 and a layer 1 46. The layers 3 to 1 in the synchronous radionetwork 40 correspond respectively to those in the synchronous terminal30.

[0024] The layers 3 to 1 41, 45 and 46 in the synchronous radio network40 communicate with corresponding layers 31, 35, 36, 51, 55 and 56 inthe synchronous terminal and the synchronous core network 50.

[0025] The synchronous core network 50 comprises a layer 3 51, a layer 255 and a layer 1 56. The layers 3 to 1 in the synchronous radio network50 correspond respectively to those in the synchronous terminal 30.

[0026] The layers 3 to 1 51, 55 and 56 in the synchronous core network50 communicate with corresponding layers 41, 45 and 46 in thesynchronous radio network 40.

[0027] In the conventional synchronous terminal and radio network as thelayered protocol structure, the synchronous terminal 30 receives a Syncchannel message from the synchronous radio network 40 over a Syncchannel and acquires information necessary to its connection to thesynchronous core network 50, including information related to thesynchronous core network 50 and information about the synchronous radionetwork 4.0, from the received Sync channel message.

[0028] In other words, for interfacing with the synchronous ANSI-41network via the synchronous radio network, the synchronous terminalacquires system information (i.e., information related to the radionetwork and core network) through a system determination sub-state, apilot channel acquisition sub-state, a Sync channel acquisitionsub-state and a timing changing sub-state after it is powered on.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where thesynchronous terminal acquires the system information through the fourstation transitions as mentioned above.

[0030] The first state, or the system determination sub-state, S1, is astate where the synchronous terminal selects a code division multipleaccess (CDMA) system with which it should communicate. Before beingpowered off, the synchronous terminal stores a CDMA channel number thatit uses at the present time, a CDMA area list, a system identification(SID) list, a network identification (NID) list and other information inits memory. Thereafter, upon being powered on, the synchronous terminalselects a CDMA system with which it can communicate., on the basis ofthe above information stored in its memory and a CDMA system selectionalgorithm, which is provided from a terminal manufacturer. Afterselecting the CDMA system, the synchronous terminal shifts to the nextstate, or the pilot channel acquisition sub-state, S2 to acquire apilot.

[0031] The pilot channel acquisition sub-state S2 is a state where thesynchronous terminal obtains a pilot channel and thus selects a basetransceiver station. After selecting the CDMA system, the synchronousterminal acquires a pilot with the same CDMA channel number, or CDMAfrequency number, as that corresponding to the selected CDMA system.After acquiring the pilot, the synchronous terminal shifts to the nextstate, or the Sync channel acquisition sub-state, S3.

[0032] The Sync channel acquisition sub-state S3 is a state where thesynchronous terminal acquires information of a system selected throughthe above pilot channel acquisition and timing information of theselected system. The synchronous terminal receives a Sync channelmessage from the base transceiver station selected at the above pilotchannel acquisition sub-state over a Sync channel and obtains theinformation of the selected system and the system timing informationfrom the received Sync channel message. Such a Sync channel message isproduced by the system and then sent to the synchronous terminal overthe Sync channel.

[0033] Information elements as shown in FIG. 7A are written in the Syncchannel message received by the synchronous terminal, as follows:

[0034] a) Protocol Revision Level: 8 bits,

[0035] b) Minimum Protocol Revision Level: 8 bits,

[0036] c) System Identification: 15 bits,

[0037] d) Network Identification: 16 bits,

[0038] e) Pilot Pseudo Noise (PN) sequence offset index: 9 bits,

[0039] f) Long Code State: 42 bits,

[0040] g) System Time: 36 bits,

[0041] h) The number of Leap seconds that have occurred since the startof System Time: 8 bits,

[0042] i) Offset of local time from System Time: 6 bits,

[0043] j) Daylight savings time indicator: 1 bit,

[0044] k) Paging Channel Data Rate: 2 bits,

[0045] l) Frequency assignment: 11 bits,

[0046] m) Extended frequency assignment: 11 bits, and

[0047] n) Orthogonal transmit diversity mode: 2 bits.

[0048] The synchronous terminal stores the following informationelements from the received Sync channel message in its memory:

[0049] a) Protocol Revision Level: 8 bits,

[0050] b) Minimum Protocol Revision Level: 8 bits,

[0051] c) System Identification: 15 bits,

[0052] d) Network Identification: 16 bits,

[0053] e) Pilot PN sequence offset index: 9 bits,

[0054] f) Long Code State: 42 bits,

[0055] g) System Time: 36 bits,

[0056] h) Paging Channel Data Rate: 2 bits, and

[0057] i) Orthogonal transmit diversity mode: 2 bits.

[0058] After completing the above procedure, the synchronous terminalshifts to the timing changing sub-state S4.

[0059] The timing changing sub-state S4 is a state where the synchronousterminal synchronizes its timing with that of the selected CDMA system.The synchronous terminal synchronizes its timing with that of theselected CDMA system on the basis of the information elements in theSync channel message, received at the above Sync channel acquisitionsub-state and stored in its memory. After being timed with the selectedCDMA system, the synchronous terminal enters a standby mode S5.

[0060] At the standby mode S5, the synchronous terminal monitors apaging channel of the selected system. Namely, at the standby mode S5,the synchronous terminal receives messages (a system parameter message,an access channel message, a registration request message, etc.) sentover the paging channel.

[0061]FIG. 2B is a view showing the layered protocol structure of theconventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system. In thisdrawing, the reference numeral 60 denotes an asynchronous terminal, 70 aUTRAN and 80 an asynchronous core network.

[0062] The asynchronous terminal 60 comprises a layer 3 61, a layer 2 65and a layer 1 66. In particular, the layer 3 61 includes a non-accessstratum (NAS) part and an access stratum (AS) part. The NAS partincludes an asynchronous call control (CC) part 62 for management of acall and an asynchronous mobility management (MM) part 63 for managementof a mobility. The AS part includes an asynchronous radio resourcecontrol (RRC) part. In the asynchronous system, the asynchronous RRC sublayer is apparently separated from the NAS part. Functions of theasynchronous RRC sub layer are the same as those of the synchronous RRsub layer.

[0063] The UTRAN 70 comprises a layer 3 71, a layer 2 73 and a layer 174. The layer 3 71 of the UTRAN 70 has no NAS part having asynchronousCC part and asynchronous MM part. The layers 3 to 1 of the UTRAN 70 areconnected and correspond respectively to those in the asynchronousterminal 60 and those in the asynchronous core network 80. However,since the UTRAN 70 does not have the NAS part, i.e., the asynchronous CCpart and the asynchronous MM part, the NAS parts of the asynchronousterminal 60 and the asynchronous core network 80 are coupled to eachother not through the UTRAN 70.

[0064] The asynchronous core network 80 comprises a layer 3 having a NASpart 81 connected to that of the asynchronous terminal 60 and a AS part,a layer 2 85 and a layer 1 86 connected respectively to those in theUTRAN 70. The NAS part comprises an asynchronous CC part 82 formanagement of a call and an asynchronous MM part 83 for management of amobility.

[0065] Functions of the layer 3 to 1 of the asynchronous system aresimilar with those of the synchronous system except for an operatingtype. Therefore, detailed description of the layer 3 to 1 will beskipped.

[0066] The more detailed descriptions about layered protocol structuresare well taught in 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),Technical Specification Group (TSG)— Radio Access Network (RAN): 3GTS25.301 (Radio Interface Protocol Architecture), 3G TS25.302 (Servicesprovided by the physical layer), 3G TS25.321 (MAC ProtocolSpecification), 3G TS25.322 (RLC Protocol Specification) and 3G TS25.331(RRC Protocol Specification) in detail.

[0067] In the conventional asynchronous mobile terminal and radionetwork having the layered protocol structure, the asynchronous terminal60 receives a system information message from the UTRAN 70 over abroadcast control channel (BCCH) and acquires information necessary toits connection to the asynchronous core network 80, includinginformation related to the asynchronous core network 80 and informationabout the UTRAN 70, from the received system information message. FIG.7B shows a format of the system information message received by theasynchronous terminal 60.

[0068] The system information message, sent from the UTRAN 70 to theasynchronous terminal 60, contains the following information elements,which are applied in common to all asynchronous terminals connected tothe UTRAN of the asynchronous communication system:

[0069] 1) core network (CN) information,

[0070] 2) UTRAN mobility information, and

[0071] 3) other information.

[0072] The asynchronous terminal analyzes the CN information elementsamong the above information elements and acquires public land mobilenetwork (PLMN) identity information, CN domain identity information andnon-access stratum (NAS) system information as a result of the analysis.

[0073] The PLMN identity information is company identificationinformation and includes a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobilenetwork code (MNC). The CN domain identity information is used todetermine whether a currently connected core network is of a circuitswitching type or a packet switching type. The NAS system information isinformation desired in an asynchronous call control (CC) part formanagement of a call and an asynchronous mobility management (MM) partfor management of a mobility.

[0074] IMT-2000 systems are the third generation systems which aim tounify the various mobile communication networks and services into one toprovide many mobile communication services. The systems can providemultimedia services under multi-environments through variousair-interfaces and high capacity. Also, in the aspect of services, thesystems can provide multimedia services of speech, image and data up tothe rate of 2 Mbps and an international roaming. And, in the aspect ofnetwork, the systems are total systems which are based on ATM networksand combine fixed and wireless systems.

[0075] IMT-2000 system requires new system concept, high-leveladaptation technology, and novel network technology, as well allconventional technologies which were already adopted in the seconddigital cellular system.

[0076] As described above, in the next-generation mobiletelecommunication system such as the IMT-2000 system, either the GSM-MAPnetwork used in the above conventional asynchronous mobiletelecommunications system or the ANSI-41 network used in the aboveconventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system should beemployed as a core network in order to perform an international roamingin a synchronous or asynchronous mobile telecommunications system of anIMT-2000 system.

[0077] According to network deployment scenarios, the IMT-2000 systemcan have the following four interface architectures; first: synchronousterminal—synchronous radio network —synchronous ANSI-41 network, second:synchronous terminal —synchronous radio network—asynchronous GSM-MAPnetwork, third: asynchronous terminal—asynchronous radio network—synchronous ANSI-41 network and fourth: asynchronousterminal—asynchronous radio network—asynchronous GSM-MAP network.

[0078] The IMT-2000 system has the four interface architectures asmentioned above. Therefore, the hybrid type synchronous terminal mustrecognize an operating type of a core network currently connectedthereto, and the hybrid type synchronous radio network should providecore network operating type information and others information to thehybrid type synchronous terminal. The core network operating typeinformation and the others information must be contained in the Syncchannel message that the synchronous terminal, after being powered on,receives through the Sync channel in the above-mentioned conventionalinterfacing manner.

[0079] Similarly, the hybrid type asynchronous terminal must recognizean operating type of a core network currently connected thereto, and thehybrid type asynchronous radio network should provide the core networkoperating type information and others information to the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal. The core network operating type information andthe others information must be contained in the system informationmessage transmitted to the asynchronous terminal, after being poweredon, so that the asynchronous terminal receives through the broadcastcontrol channel (BCCH) in the above-mentioned conventional interfacingmanner.

[0080] However, as shown in FIG. 7A, the Sync channel message used inthe conventional synchronous terminal and radio network contain onlyinformation (information regarding a synchronous core network) definedat the Sync channel acquisition sub-state of the synchronous terminal,with neither core network operating type information nor informationabout an asynchronous core network.

[0081] Because there is no core network operating type information inthe Sync channel message, the synchronous terminal cannot determinewhich one of the CC/MM protocol for the ANSI-41 core network or theCC/MM protocol for the GSM-MAP core network to use at the layer 3 in itsprotocol stack structure, and be thus interfaced with any asynchronouscore network. Of course, because the synchronous terminal is set to thesynchronous CC/MM protocol in the conventional synchronous terminal andradio network, they have no particular problem in interfacing to a corenetwork currently connected thereto, so far as the connected corenetwork is a synchronous core network.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 7B, the system information message used inthe conventional asynchronous terminal and radio network contain onlyinformation (information regarding an asynchronous core network) definedat the BCCH acquisition sub-state of the asynchronous terminal, withneither core network operating type information nor information about asynchronous core network.

[0083] Because there is no core network operating type information inthe system information message, the asynchronous terminal cannotdetermine which one of the CC/MM protocol for the ANSI-41 core networkor the CC/MM protocol for the GSM-MAP core network to use at the layer 3in its protocol stack structure, and be thus interfaced with anysynchronous core network. Of course, because the asynchronous terminalis set to the asynchronous CC/MM protocol in the conventionalasynchronous terminal and radio network, they has no particular problemin interfacing with a core network currently connected thereto, so faras the connected core network is an asynchronous core network.

[0084] In other words, the conventional synchronous terminal and radionetwork have a disadvantage in that the synchronous terminal cannot beinterfaced with any other networks than a synchronous core networkconnected thereto because it cannot recognize core network operatingtype information and core network related information.

[0085] Similarly, the conventional asynchronous terminal and radionetwork have a disadvantage in that the asynchronous terminal cannot beinterfaced with any other networks than an asynchronous core networkbecause they cannot recognize core network operating type informationand core network related information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0086] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of theabove problems, and it is an object of the present invention to providea method, an apparatus and a computer readable record media storinginstructions for executing the same method for interfacing among asynchronous or asynchronous terminal, a synchronous or asynchronousradio network and a synchronous or asynchronous core network in anext-generation mobile telecommunications system.

[0087] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodfor interfacing a synchronous terminal with a synchronous orasynchronous core network, wherein a synchronous radio networkdetermines the operating type of the core network when the core networkhas a connection thereto, and sends the determined core networkoperating type information and information related to the core networkto the synchronous terminal over a Sync channel, and the synchronousterminal recognizes the core network on the basis of the core networkoperating type information and sets a protocol according to the corenetwork related information, so as to smoothly perform a messageinterfacing operation with the core network.

[0088] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide amethod for interfacing an asynchronous terminal to a synchronous orasynchronous core network, wherein an asynchronous radio networkdetermines the operating type of the core network when the core networkhas a connection thereto, and sends the determined core networkoperating type information and information related to the core networkto the asynchronous terminal over a BCCH, and the asynchronous terminalrecognizes the core network on the basis of the core network operatingtype information and sets a protocol according to the core networkrelated information, so as to smoothly perform a message interfacingoperation with the core network.

[0089] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for interfacing among a terminal, a radio network anda core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) and each of the terminal and the radio network has a hybridoperating type being possible to be set as either a synchronousoperating type or an asynchronous operating type, said method comprisingthe steps of: a) at the BS, determining an operating type of the corenetwork and generating core network operating type informationrepresenting the operating type of the core network; b) at the BS,setting an operating type of the BS to the synchronous operating type orthe asynchronous operating type on the basis of the core networkoperating type information; c) at the BS, providing the terminal withthe core network operating type information and information related tothe core network through a predetermined channel in a form of a message;d) extracting, at the terminal, the core network operating typeinformation from a received message, the core network operating typeinformation being inserted into a predetermined location of the message;e) recognizing, at the terminal, the operating type of the core networkon the basis of the extracted core network operating type information;and f) at the terminal, setting an operating type of the terminal to thesynchronous operating type or the asynchronous operating type on thebasis of the recognized operating type of the core network.

[0090] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an apparatus for interfacing among a terminal, a radionetwork and a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) and each of the terminal and the radio network has a hybridoperating type being possible to be set as either a synchronousoperating type or an asynchronous operating type, said apparatuscomprising: determination means, contained in the BS, for determining anoperating type of the core network; first setting means, employed in theBS, for setting an operating type of the BS to the synchronous operatingtype or the asynchronous operating type on the basis of the determinedoperating type of the core network; message means, included in the BS,for providing the terminal with core network operating type informationrepresenting the determined operating type of the core network andinformation related to the core network through a predetermined channel;receiver means, provided in the terminal, for receiving a channelmessage having the core network operating type information and theinformation related to the core network; extraction means, contained inthe terminal, for extracting the core network operating type informationinserted into a predetermined location of the channel message; detectionmeans, contained in the terminal, for recognizing the operating type ofthe core network on the basis of the extracted core network operatingtype information; and second setting means, contained in the terminal,for setting an operating type of the terminal to the synchronousoperating type or the asynchronous operating type on the basis of therecognized operating type of the core network.

[0091] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,there is provided a method for interfacing among a terminal, a radionetwork and a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) and the terminal has a hybrid operating type being possible to beset as either a synchronous operating type or an asynchronous operatingtype, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing core networkoperating type information and information related to the core networkon a storage device; b) reading the core network operating typeinformation and information related to the core network stored on thestorage device during a time period of initialization of the BS; c)providing the terminal with the core network operating type informationand information related to the core network as a message through apredetermined channel; d) extracting, at the terminal, the core networkoperating type information from a received message, the core networkoperating type information being inserted into a predetermined locationof the received message; e) recognizing, at the terminal, the operatingtype of the core network on the basis of the extracted core networkoperating type information; and f) setting an operating type of theterminal to the synchronous operating type or the asynchronous operatingtype on the basis of the recognized operating type of the core network.

[0092] In accordance with further another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided an apparatus for interfacing among aterminal, a radio network and a core network connected to the radionetwork in a mobile telecommunication system, wherein the radio networkhas a base station(BS) and the terminal has a hybrid operating typebeing possible to be set as either a synchronous operating type or anasynchronous operating type, comprising: a storage device, contained inthe BS, for storing core network operating type information representingoperating type of the core network and information related to the corenetwork; first extraction means, contained in the BS, for reading thecore network operating type information and information related to thecore network stored in the storage device during a time period ofinitialization of the BS; message means, contained in the BS, forproviding the terminal with the core network operating type informationand information related to the core network as a message through apredetermined channel; second extraction means, contained in theterminal, for extracting the core network operating type informationfrom a received message, the core network operating type informationbeing inserted into a predetermined location of the received message;detection means, contained in the terminal, for recognizing theoperating type of the core network on the basis of the extracted corenetwork operating type information; and setting means, contained in theterminal, for setting an operating type of the terminal to thesynchronous operating type or the asynchronous operating type on thebasis of the recognized operating type of the core network.

[0093] In accordance with a further another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a method for interfacing between a radionetwork and a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) having a hybrid operating type being possible to be set as either asynchronous operating type or an asynchronous operating type, saidmethod comprising the steps of: a) determining an operating type of thecore network; b) setting an operating type of the BS to the synchronousoperating type or the asynchronous operating type on the basis of corenetwork operating type information representing the determined operatingtype of the core network; and c) providing the terminal with the corenetwork operating type information and information related to the corenetwork through a predetermined channel in a form of a message.

[0094] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,there is provided a n apparatus for interfacing between a radio networkand a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) having a hybrid operating type being possible to be set as either asynchronous operating type or an asynchronous operating type, saidapparatus comprising: determination means for determining an operatingtype of the core network; setting means for setting an operating type ofthe BS to the synchronous operating type or the asynchronous operatingtype on the basis of core network operating type informationrepresenting the determined operating type of the core network; andmessage means for providing the terminal with the core network operatingtype information and information related to the core network through apredetermined channel in a form of a message.

[0095] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer readable media storing a programinstructions, the program instructions disposed on a computer to performa method for interfacing between a radio network and a core networkconnected to the radio network in a mobile telecommunication system,wherein the radio network has a base station (BS) having a hybridoperating type being possible to be set as either a synchronousoperating type or an asynchronous operating type, said method comprisingthe steps of: a) determining an operating type of the core network; b)setting an operating type of the BS to the synchronous operating type orthe asynchronous operating type on the basis of core network operatingtype information representing the determined operating type of the corenetwork; and c) providing the terminal with the core network operatingtype information and information related to the core network through apredetermined channel in a form of a message.

[0096] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for interfacing among a terminal, a radio networkand a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a base station(BS) and the terminal has a hybrid operating type being possible to beset as either a synchronous operating type or an asynchronous operatingtype, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing core networkoperating type information representing operating type of the corenetwork and information related to the core network on a storage device;b) reading the core network operating type information and informationrelated to the core network stored on the storage device during a timeperiod of initialization of the BS; and c) periodically providing theterminal with the core network operating type information andinformation related to the core network as a message through apredetermined channel.

[0097] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,there is provided an apparatus for interfacing among a terminal, a radionetwork and a core network connected to the radio network in a mobiletelecommunication system, wherein the radio network has a basestation(BS) and the terminal has a hybrid operating type being possibleto be set as either a synchronous operating type or an asynchronousoperating type, comprising: a storage device, contained in the BS, forstoring core network operating type information representing operatingtype of the core network and information related to the core network;extraction means, contained in the BS, for reading the core networkoperating type information and information related to the core networkstored in the storage device during a time period of initialization ofthe BS; and message means, contained in the BS, for periodicallyproviding the terminal with the core network operating type informationand information related to the core network as a message through apredetermined channel.

[0098] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer readable media storing a programinstructions, the program instructions disposed on a computer to performa method for interfacing among a terminal, a radio network and a corenetwork connected to the radio network in a mobile telecommunicationsystem, wherein the radio network has a base station (BS) and theterminal has a hybrid operating type being possible to be set as eithera synchronous operating type or an asynchronous operating type, themethod comprising the steps of: a) storing core network operating typeinformation representing operating type of the core network andinformation related to the core network on a storage device; b) readingthe core network operating type information and information related tothe core network stored on the storage device during a time period ofinitialization of the BS; and c) periodically providing the terminalwith the core network operating type information and information relatedto the core network as a message through a predetermined channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] The above and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0100]FIG. 1 shows core network interface architectures of conventionalsynchronous/asynchronous mobile telecommunications systems, wherein:

[0101]FIG. 1A is a view showing a core network: interface architectureof the conventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system; and

[0102]FIG. 1B is a view showing a core network interface architecture ofthe conventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system;

[0103]FIG. 2 shows layered protocol structures of the conventionalsynchronous/asynchronous mobile telecommunications systems, wherein:

[0104]FIG. 2A is a view showing a layered protocol structure of theconventional synchronous mobile telecommunications system; and

[0105]FIG. 2B is a view showing a layered protocol structure of theconventional asynchronous mobile telecommunications system;

[0106]FIG. 3 is a view showing a protocol stack structure forinterfacing a terminal and a base station with a core network in anext-generation mobile telecommunications system;

[0107]FIG. 4 shows core network interface architectures of thenext-generation mobile telecommunications system, wherein:

[0108]FIG. 4A is a view showing a synchronous ANSI-41 core networkinterface architecture of hybrid type synchronous mobile terminal andradio network;

[0109]FIG. 4B is a view showing an asynchronous GSM-MAP core networkinterface architecture of hybrid type synchronous mobile terminal andradio network;

[0110]FIG. 4C is a view showing an asynchronous GSM-MAP core networkinterface architecture of hybrid type asynchronous mobile terminal andradio network; and

[0111]FIG. 4D is a view showing a synchronous ANSI-41 core networkinterface architecture of hybrid type asynchronous mobile terminal andradio network;

[0112]FIG. 5 shows layered protocol structures of the next-generationmobile telecommunications system, wherein:

[0113]FIG. 5A is a view showing layered protocol structures of hybridtype synchronous mobile terminal and radio network and the synchronousANSI-41 core network;

[0114]FIG. 5B is a view showing layered protocol structures of hybridtype synchronous mobile terminal and radio network and the asynchronousGSM-MAP core network;

[0115]FIG. 5C is a view showing layered protocol structures of hybridtype asynchronous mobile terminal and radio network and the synchronousANSI-41 core network; and

[0116]FIG. 5D is a view showing layered protocol structures of hybridtype asynchronous mobile terminal and radio network and the asynchronousGSM-MAP core network;

[0117]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating state transitions of asynchronous terminal in the conventional synchronous mobiletelecommunications system;

[0118]FIG. 7 shows format of a message received by the terminal from theconventional synchronous radio network, wherein:

[0119]FIG. 7A is a view showing a format of a Sync channel messagereceived by the synchronous terminal from the conventional synchronousradio network;

[0120]FIG. 7B is a view showing a format of a system information messagereceived by an asynchronous terminal from the conventional asynchronousradio network;

[0121]FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a base station controller forinterfacing among a terminal, a radio network and a core network;

[0122]FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a terminal controller forinterfacing among a terminal, a radio network and a core network;

[0123]FIG. 9 shows a Sync channel message received by a hybrid typesynchronous terminal from in a hybrid type synchronous radio network inaccordance with the present invention, wherein:

[0124]FIG. 9A is a view showing a format of the Sync channel messagewhen a core network connected to a hybrid type synchronous radio networkis a GSM-MAP network; and

[0125]FIG. 9B is a view showing a format of the Sync channel messagewhen the core network connected to the hybrid type synchronous radionetwork is an ANSI-41 network;

[0126]FIG. 10 shows a master information block in a system informationmessage received by a hybrid type asynchronous terminal from a hybridtype asynchronous radio network in accordance with the presentinvention, wherein:

[0127]FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing formats of the masterinformation block when a core network connected to a hybrid typeasynchronous radio network, or a UTRAN, is the GSM-MAP network; and

[0128]FIGS. 10C and 10D are views showing formats of the masterinformation block when the core network connected to the UTRAN is theANSI-41 network;

[0129]FIG. 11 shows flow charts illustrating a method for interfacing ahybrid type synchronous terminal with a core network in accordance withthe present invention, wherein:

[0130]FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where a hybridtype synchronous radio network sends core network operating typeinformation and information related to core network to the hybrid typesynchronous terminal; and

[0131]FIG. 11B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where the hybridtype synchronous terminal receives the core network operating typeinformation and the information related to core network from the hybridtype synchronous radio network and then is interfaced with the corenetwork on the basis of the received information; and

[0132]FIG. 12 shows flow charts illustrating a method for interfacing ahybrid type asynchronous terminal to a core network in accordance withthe present invention, wherein:

[0133]FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where a hybridtype asynchronous radio network sends core network operating typeinformation and information related to core network to the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal; and

[0134]FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where the hybridtype asynchronous terminal receives the core network operating typeinformation and the information related to core network from the hybridtype asynchronous radio network and then is interfaced with the corenetwork on the basis of the received information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0135] In the specification, a radio network means a network including aplurality of base transceiver stations (BTS) and at least a base stationcontroller for controlling the plurality of BTSs in a synchronous or anasynchronous mobile telecommunication system.

[0136] Functions for controlling the base transceiver station can bedistributively performed in the plurality of the base transceiverstations, or can be concentrically performed in the base stationcontroller. Therefore, in this specification, a terminology “basestation,” which includes the base transceiver station and the basestation controller, is used.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 3, it is illustrated a protocol stack structurefor interfacing a mobile terminal, a base transceiver station/basestation controller (BTS/BSC) and a core network having the same or adifferent operating type with/from the mobile terminal in anext-generation mobile telecommunications system such as the IMT-2000system.

[0138]FIG. 4 shows core network interface architectures of thenext-generation mobile telecommunications system such as the IMT-2000system.

[0139]FIG. 4A is a view showing a synchronous ANSI-41 core networkinterface architecture of a hybrid type synchronous radio network. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 100 denotes a hybrid typesynchronous terminal, 110 a hybrid type synchronous radio network, and120 a synchronous core network which includes an ANSI-41 network.

[0140]FIG. 4B is a view showing an asynchronous GSM-MAP core networkinterface architecture of the hybrid type synchronous radio network. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 100 denotes a hybrid typesynchronous terminal, 110 a hybrid type synchronous radio network, and130 an asynchronous core network which includes a GSM-MAP network.

[0141]FIG. 4C is a view showing an asynchronous GSM-MAP core networkinterface architecture of a hybrid type asynchronous radio network. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 210 denotes a hybrid typeasynchronous terminal., 220 denotes a hybrid type UTRAN which is ahybrid type asynchronous radio network, and 230 denotes a core networkwhich is connected to the hybrid type UTRAN 220 and includes anasynchronous GSM-MAP network.

[0142]FIG. 4D is a view showing a synchronous ANSI-41 core networkinterface architecture of the hybrid type asynchronous radio network. Inthis drawing, the reference numeral 210 denotes a hybrid typeasynchronous terminal, 220 denotes a hybrid type UTRAN which is a hybridtype asynchronous radio network, and 240 denotes a core network which isconnected to the hybrid type UTRAN 220 and includes a synchronousANSI-41 network.

[0143] In order to be operable adaptively to the above four interfacearchitectures, each of the hybrid type synchronous and asynchronousterminals in the next-generation mobile telecommunications system hasboth asynchronous CC and MM protocol entities serving for the GSM-MAPcore network and synchronous CC and MM protocol entities serving for theANSI-41 core network at the layer 3 in the protocol stack structure,which is a different from each of the conventional synchronous andasynchronous terminals.

[0144]FIG. 5 shows layered protocol structures of the next-generationmobile telecommunications system.

[0145]FIG. 5A is a view showing the layered protocol structure of ahybrid type synchronous terminal, a hybrid type synchronous radionetwork and the synchronous ANSI-41 core network. In this drawing, thereference numeral 100 denotes a hybrid type synchronous terminal, 110denotes a hybrid type synchronous radio network, and 120 denotes anANSI-41 core network which is a synchronous core network connected tothe hybrid type synchronous radio network 110.

[0146] The hybrid type synchronous terminal 100 comprises a layer 3 101,a layer 2 107 and a layer 1 108. The layer 3 101 comprises a synchronousCC part 102, a synchronous MM part 103, an asynchronous CC part 104, anasynchronous MM part 105 and a synchronous radio resource part 106. Thehybrid type synchronous terminal 100 selectively makes a CC/MM protocolactive according to a core network operating type. Information foridentifying the core network operating type is given to the hybrid typesynchronous terminal 100.

[0147] For example, if the hybrid type synchronous terminal 100 iscurrently connected to the ANSI-41 core network 120, the layer 3 101therein activates protocols of the synchronous CC part 102 andsynchronous MM part 103 to perform a message interfacing operation withthe ANSI-41 core network 120.

[0148] The hybrid type synchronous radio network 110 comprises a layer 3111, a layer 2 115 and a layer 1 116, which activate their protocolscorresponding respectively to those in the hybrid type synchronousterminal 100 and those in the ANSI-41 core network 120 to transmit andreceive messages.

[0149] The ANSI-41 core network 120 comprises a layer 3 121, a layer 2125 and a layer 1 126. The layer 3 121 comprises a synchronous CC part122, a synchronous MM part 123 and a synchronous RR part 124.

[0150] On the other hand, a hybrid type synchronous mobile terminal, ahybrid type synchronous radio network and an asynchronous core networkhave layered protocol structures as shown in FIG. 5B when the corenetwork connected thereto is of an asynchronous operating type as shownin FIG. 4B.

[0151] In FIG. 5B, the reference numeral 100 denotes a hybrid typesynchronous terminal, 110 denotes a hybrid type synchronous radionetwork, and 130 denotes a GSM-MAP core network which is an asynchronouscore network.

[0152] The hybrid type synchronous terminal 100 comprises a layer 3 101having a NAS part and an AS part, a layer 2 107 and a layer 1 108. TheNAS part includes a synchronous CC part 102, a synchronous MM part 103,an asynchronous CC part 104 and an asynchronous MM part 105. The AS partincludes a synchronous RR part 106. The hybrid type synchronous terminal100 selectively makes a CC/MM protocol active according to a corenetwork operating type.

[0153] For example, if the hybrid type synchronous terminal 100 iscurrently connected to the GSM-MAP core network 130, the layer 3 101therein activates protocols of the asynchronous CC part 104 andasynchronous MM part 105 to perform a message interfacing operation withthe GSM-MAP core network 130.

[0154] The hybrid type synchronous radio network 110 comprises a layer 3111 having a NAS part and an AS part, a layer 2 115 and a layer 1 116,which activate their protocols corresponding respectively to those inthe hybrid type synchronous terminal 100 and those in the GSM-MAP corenetwork 130 to transmit and receive messages.

[0155] The GSM-MAP core network 130 comprises a layer 3 131 having a NASpart and an AS part, a layer 2 135 and a layer 1 136. The NAS partincludes an asynchronous CC part 132 and an asynchronous MM part 133.The AS part includes an asynchronous RRC part 134.

[0156] The layers 3 to 1 of the hybrid type synchronous radio network110 are connected and correspond respectively to those in the hybridtype synchronous terminal 100 and those in the asynchronous corenetwork. 130. However, the NAS parts of the hybrid type asynchronousterminal 100 and the asynchronous core network 130 are coupled to eachother not through the hybrid type synchronous terminal 110.

[0157]FIG. 5C is a view showing layered protocol structures of a hybridtype asynchronous mobile terminal, a hybrid type synchronous radionetwork and a synchronous ANSI-41 core network. In this drawing, thereference numeral 210 denotes a hybrid type asynchronous terminal, 220denotes a hybrid type UTRAN which is a hybrid type asynchronous radionetwork, and 230 denotes an ANSI-41 core network connected to the hybridtype UTRAN 220.

[0158] The hybrid type asynchronous terminal 210 comprises a layer 3211, a layer 2 217 and a layer 1 218. The layer 1 includes a synchronousCC part 212, a synchronous MM part 213, an asynchronous CC part 214, anasynchronous MM part 215 and asynchronous RRC part 216 and selectivelyactivates a synchronous CC/MM protocol or an asynchronous CC/MMprotocol.

[0159] For example, if the hybrid type asynchronous terminal 210 iscurrently connected to the ANSI-41 core network 230, the layer 1 thereinactivates a protocol between the synchronous CC part 211 and synchronousMM part 212 to perform a message interfacing operation with the ANSI-41core network 230.

[0160]FIG. 5D is a view showing layered protocol structures of a hybridtype asynchronous mobile terminal, a hybrid type asynchronous radionetwork and an asynchronous GSM-MAP core network. In this drawing, thereference numeral 210 denotes a hybrid type asynchronous terminal, 220denotes hybrid type a UTRAN which is a hybrid type asynchronous radionetwork, and 240 denotes an asynchronous GSM-MAP core network connectedto the hybrid type UTRAN 220.

[0161] The hybrid type asynchronous terminal 210 comprises a layer 3 211having a NAS part and an AS part, a layer 2 217 and a layer 1 218. TheNAS part includes a synchronous CC part 212, a synchronous MM part 213,an asynchronous CC part 214 and an asynchronous MM part 215 andselectively activates a synchronous CC/MM protocol or an asynchronousCC/MM protocol. The AS part includes an asynchronous RRC part 216.

[0162] The hybrid type synchronous radio network 210 comprises a layer 3211 having a NAS part and an AS part, a layer 2 225 and a layer 1 226,which activate their protocols corresponding respectively to those inthe hybrid type synchronous terminal 210 and those in the GSM-MAP corenetwork 240 to transmit and receive messages.

[0163] The GSM-MAP core network 240 comprises a layer 3 241 having a NASpart and an AS part, a layer 2 245 and a layer 1 246. The NAS partincludes an asynchronous CC part 242 and an asynchronous MM part 243.The AS part includes an asynchronous RRC part 244.

[0164] For example, if the hybrid type asynchronous terminal 210 iscurrently connected to the GSM-MAP core network 240, the NAS parttherein activates protocols of the asynchronous CC part 214 andasynchronous MM part 215 to perform a message interfacing operation withthe GSM-MAP core network 240.

[0165] The layers 3 to 1 of the hybrid type synchronous radio network220 are connected and correspond respectively to those in the hybridtype synchronous terminal 210 and those in the asynchronous core network240. However, the NAS parts of the hybrid type asynchronous terminal 210and the asynchronous core network 240 are coupled to each other notthrough the hybrid type asynchronous terminal 220.

[0166] <Embodiment 1>

[0167] In a method for interfacing a hybrid type synchronous terminal toa synchronous core network, the hybrid type synchronous mobile terminaland radio work have core network interface architectures as describedabove with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B and the associated layeredprotocol structures as described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and5B.

[0168]FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a BS controller for interfacing theBS with a core network having the same or a different operating typewith/from the BS.

[0169] The base station (BS) includes a controller 811 which performscontrol functions of the BS, for example, information transmission, callprocessing, etc.

[0170] The BS controller provides a terminal set synchronous orasynchronous with a determined core network operating type informationand an information related to the core network to be connected, therebyallowing the terminal to be interfaced with the core network having thesame or a different operating type with/from the terminal.

[0171] A management/maintenance block 813 determines an operating typeof the core network to be connected on the basis of information storedon the BS controller or on the basis of message exchanged with theconnected core network.

[0172] The stored information can be stored on a read only memory (ROM)in the controller 811, or on a dip switch to which a central processingunit (CPU) of the controller 811 is connected. The message exchangedwith the core network is preferably a management/maintenance message ora signaling message.

[0173] A call processing block 815 provides the terminal with the corenetwork operating type information and the information related to thecore network through a channel. In a synchronous operating type, thecore network operating type information and the information related tothe core network are inserted into a core network operating typeinformation field of a synchronous channel and transmitted to theterminal. The core network operating type information transmitted to theterminal is GSM-MAP information representing an asynchronous corenetwork, or ANSI-41 information representing a synchronous core network.

[0174]FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a terminal controller forinterfacing the terminal with a core network, wherein the radio networkis of a synchronous or an asynchronous type.

[0175] The terminal controller comprises a controlling unit 821, a callprocessing unit 823 and a management/maintenance unit 825.

[0176] The call processing unit 823 includes a receiving block whichreceives channel message having core network operating type information,and a determining block which extracts the core network operating typeinformation inserted into a pre-selected location of the channel messageand determines whether the core network is of a synchronous or anasynchronous type. The management/maintenance unit 825 includes asetting block which sets the terminal as an operating type correspondingto the core network operating type information. The controlling unit 821performs general control functions of the terminal, for example, callprocessing function, management/maintenance function, etc. The terminalcontroller further includes a memory extracting and storing informationrelated to the core network from the channel message. Here, theinformation related to the core network corresponds to the core networkoperating type information.

[0177] As described above, the method and the apparatus in accordancewith the present invention adaptively sets a protocol and interfacesamong the terminal, the base station and the core network on the basisof an operating type of the core network. Preferred formats of messagescommunicated between the terminal and the base station in order toperform setting and interfacing functions are illustrated in FIGS. 9Aand 9B.

[0178]FIG. 9A shows a format of a synchronous channel message receivedby a synchronous terminal when a core network connected to the radionetwork is GSM-MAP. FIG. 9B shows a format of a synchronous channelmessage received by a synchronous terminal when a core network connectedto the radio network is ANSI-41 core network.

[0179] If the core network operating type information is ANSI-41information representing a synchronous core network, the informationrelated to core network includes information P_REV representing arevision level of a system protocol, information M_P_REV representing aminimum revision level, system identification SID and networkidentification NID. If the core network operating type information isGSM-MAP information representing an asynchronous core network, theinformation related to core network includes public land mobile networkidentity PLMN_ID, core network domain identity and non-access stratum(NAS) system information. The public land mobile network (PLMN) identityPLMN_ID includes mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code(MNC). The terminal identifies a provider of a system to which itaccesses based on the PLMN identity PLMN_ID.

[0180]FIG. 11 shows a method for interfacing a hybrid type synchronousterminal with a core network in accordance with the present invention.

[0181]FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where a hybridtype synchronous radio network including a base transceiver station(BTS) and a base station controller (BSC) determines the operating typeof the core network and sends information about the core network, forexample, core network operating type information and information relatedto core network, to the hybrid type synchronous terminal.

[0182] First, the BSC in the hybrid type synchronous radio networkdetects a core network operating type information of a core networkconnected thereto at step S11.

[0183] Noticeably, the BSC detects the core network operating typeinformation of the connected core network on the basis of informationfrom a read only memory (ROM) or information from a dip switch which maybe manually operated by an operator, upon system initialization.Alternatively, the BSC may detect the operating type of the connectedcore network through the exchange of a management/maintenance messagewith the connected core network.

[0184] Further, the BSC may detect the operating type of the connectedcore network by conducting the above two methods simultaneously or asimple modification of them.

[0185] Thereafter, the BSC determines at step S12 whether the connectedcore network is a synchronous ANSI-41 core network. If the connectedcore network is the synchronous ANSI-41 core network the BSC sets corenetwork operating type information CN Type corresponding to the detectedcore network operating type at step S15.

[0186] In the case where it is determined at the above step S12 that theconnected core network is not the synchronous ANSI-41 core network, theBSC determines at step S13 whether the connected core network is anasynchronous GSM-MAP core network. If the connected core network is theasynchronous GSM-MAP core network, the BSC activates an asynchronous CCpart and an asynchronous MM part for a direct spreading (DS) method atstep S14 and then sets the CN Type information corresponding to thedetected core network operating type at step S15.

[0187] Herein, the CN. Type information is set to “1” when the connectedcore network is the synchronous ANSI-41 core network, and “0” when theconnected core network is the asynchronous GSM-MAP core network.

[0188] Subsequently, the BSC inserts the set core network operating typeinformation and the information related to core network respectivelyinto specific fields of a Sync channel message at step S16.

[0189] Herein, the Sync channel message has formats as shown in FIG. 9.

[0190]FIG. 9A is a view showing a format of the Sync channel messagewhen the core network connected to the hybrid type synchronous radionetwork is the GSM-MAP network. As shown in this drawing, the corenetwork operating type information CN Type of “0” or “1” is written in afirst field of the Sync channel message and information elements relatedto the GSM-MAP network, PLMN identity information PLMN_ID, CN domainidentity information and NAS system information, are sequentiallywritten in the subsequent fields of the message. As described above, thesame information elements as those in the conventional Sync channelmessage shown in FIG. 7A are sequentially written from the next field ofthe present Sync channel message.

[0191]FIG. 9B is a view showing a format of the Sync channel messagewhen the core network connected to the hybrid type synchronous radiowork is the ANSI-41 network. As shown in this drawing, the core networkoperating type information CN Type of “0” or “1” is written in a firstfield of the Sync channel message and information elements related tothe ANSI-41 network, an 8 bits protocol revision level, an 8 bitsminimum protocol revision level, a 15 bits system identification and a16 bits network identification, are sequentially written in thesubsequent fields of the message. The same information elements as thosein the conventional Sync channel message shown in FIG. 7A aresequentially written from the next field of the present Sync channelmessage.

[0192] Herein, the core network operating type information is used toindicate whether the core network connected to the synchronous radionetwork is the ANSI-41 network or the GSM-MAP network. For example, thecore network operating type information is set to “1” when the corenetwork connected to the hybrid type synchronous radio network is theANSI-41 core network, and “0” when the connected core network is theGSM-MAP core network.

[0193] Thereafter, the BSC in the hybrid type synchronous radio networksends the Sync channel message having the CN operating type informationto the hybrid type synchronous terminal over a Sync channel at step S17.

[0194] Then, the BSC interfaces the hybrid type synchronous terminalwith the core network in a synchronous or asynchronous communicationmanner according to a set protocol at step S18.

[0195] On the other hand, upon receiving the above Sync channel message,the hybrid type synchronous terminal synchronizes its timing with thatof the connected core network according to a flowchart of FIG. 11B.

[0196] That is, upon being powered on, the synchronous terminal selectsa CDMA system on the basis of a CDMA channel number, a CDMA area list,an SID list, an NID list and other information stored in its memory anda CDMA system selection algorithm provided from a terminal manufacturerat step S21.

[0197] Then, the hybrid type synchronous terminal acquires a pilothaving the same. CDMA channel number as that of the selected CDMA systemat step S22. In other words, after selecting the CDMA system, the hybridtype synchronous terminal acquires a pilot having the same CDMA channelnumber as that of the selected CDMA system, or CDMA frequency number asthat corresponding to the selected CDMA system.

[0198] After acquiring the pilot, the hybrid type synchronous terminalproceeds to step S23 to perform a Sync channel acquisition operation andthen to step S24 to receive a Sync channel message over the acquiredSync channel.

[0199] Subsequently, the hybrid type synchronous terminal analyzes corenetwork operating type information CN Type among information elements inthe received Sync channel message at step S25. Herein, the CN Typeinformation is set to “1” when the connected core network is thesynchronous ANSI-41 core network, and “0” when the connected corenetwork is the asynchronous GSM-MAP core network.

[0200] Accordingly, the hybrid type synchronous terminal determines atstep S26 whether the CN Type information value is “1” and proceeds tostep S27 if the CN Type information value is “1”. At step S27, thesynchronous terminal analyzes information elements related to the corenetwork as those for the ANSI-41 core network and stores desired ones ofthem in its memory. At this time, the stored information elements aresystem identification (SID), network identification (NID), a minimumprotocol revision level (MIN_P_REV) and a protocol revision level(P_REV).

[0201] Thereafter, at step S28, the hybrid type synchronous terminalselects a synchronous CC part and a synchronous MM part for the ANSI-41network and sets protocols according to the selected operating type.Subsequently, the hybrid type synchronous terminal synchronizes itstiming with that of a base transceiver station in the selected system atstep S29 and then performs a message interfacing operation with theANSI-41 core network at step S30.

[0202] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined at theabove step S26 that the CN Type information value is not “1”, thesynchronous terminal determines at step S31 whether the CN Typeinformation value is “0” and proceeds to step S32 if the CN Typeinformation value is “0”. At step S32, the synchronous terminal analyzesthe information elements related to core network as those for theGSM-MAP core network and stores a desired one, a PLMN identity, of themin its memory.

[0203] Thereafter, at step S33, the hybrid type synchronous terminalselects an asynchronous CC part and an asynchronous MM part for theGSM-MAP network and sets protocols according to the selected operatingtype. Subsequently, the hybrid type synchronous terminal synchronizesits timing with that of a base transceiver station in the selectedsystem at step S34 and then performs a message interfacing operationwith the GSM-MAP core network at step S35.

[0204] <Embodiment 2>

[0205] Architectures of telecommunication system for interfacing ahybrid type asynchronous terminal with a core network are describedabove with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D and the associated layeredprotocol structures of the telecommunication system are described abovewith reference to FIGS. 5C and 5D.

[0206] As described above, the method or the apparatus for interfacingin accordance with the present invention adaptively sets a protocol onthe basis of an operating type of the core network and smoothlyinterfaces among the terminal, the base station and the core network.Preferred formats of messages communicated between the terminal and thebase station in order to perform setting and interfacing functions areillustrated in FIGS. 10A to and 10D.

[0207]FIGS. 10A and 10B show a format of a master information block in asystem information message received by a hybrid type asynchronousterminal when a core network connected to a universal mobiletelecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN)is an asynchronous GSM-MAP core network. FIGS. 10C and 10D show a formatof a master information block in a system information message receivedby a hybrid type asynchronous terminal when a core network connected tothe UTRAN is a synchronous ANSI-41 core network.

[0208] If the core network operating type information is ANSI-41information representing a synchronous core network, the informationrelated to core network includes a revision level (P_REV) representing arevision level of a system protocol, a minimum revision level (M_P_REV),a system identification (SID) and network identification (NID). If thecore network operating type information is GSM-MAP informationrepresenting an asynchronous core network, the information related tocore network includes public land mobile network identity (PLMN_ID).

[0209]FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating a procedure where a hybridtype radio network controller (RNC) in an asynchronous radio network, orUTRAN, determines the operating type of a core network connected theretoand sends the core network operating type information and informationrelated to the core network to a hybrid type asynchronous terminal.

[0210] First, the hybrid type RNC in the UTRAN detects an operating typeof a core network connected thereto at step S41.

[0211] Noticeably, the hybrid type RNC detects the operating type of theconnected core network on the basis of information from a read onlymemory (ROM) or information from a dip switch which may be manuallyoperated by an operator, upon system initialization. Alternatively, thehybrid type RNC may detect the operating type of the connected corenetwork through the exchange of a management/maintenance message withthe connected core network.

[0212] Alternatively, the hybrid type RNC may detect the operating typeof the connected core network by conducting the above two methodssimultaneously or a simple modification of them.

[0213] Thereafter, the hybrid type RNC determines at step S42 whetherthe connected core network is an asynchronous GSM-MAP core network.

[0214] If it is determined at the above step S42 that the connected corenetwork is the asynchronous GSM-MAP core network, the hybrid type RNCsets core network operating type information CN Type corresponding tothe detected operating type of the core network at step S45. Forexample, if the connected core network is the asynchronous GSM-MAP corenetwork, the RNC sets the core network operating type information as“GSM-MAP”.

[0215] Subsequently, the hybrid type RNC inserts the set CN Typeinformation and information related to core network respectively intospecific fields of a system information message at step S46.

[0216] Herein, the CN Type information and information related to corenetwork are inserted into a master information block (MIB) in the systeminformation message. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, views showing a format of theMIB are shown. The MIB has the CN Type information and the informationrelated to core network in accordance with the present invention.

[0217] In FIGS. 10A and 10B, other fields except for CN informationelements are the same as those in the conventional system informationmessage shown in FIG. 7B and a detailed description thereof will thus beomitted. The core network operating information and the informationrelated to core network are written in the CN information element field.Because it is determined at the above step S42 that the connected corenetwork is the asynchronous GSM-MAP core network, “GSM-MAP” is writtenin the CN Type information field and a PLMN identity is written in thecore network related information field.

[0218] Thereafter, the RNC sends the system information message having amaster information block (MIB) to the hybrid type asynchronous terminalover a BCCH at step S47 and then performs a message interfacingoperation between the hybrid type asynchronous terminal and the corenetwork at step S48.

[0219] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined at theabove step S42 that the connected core network is not the asynchronousGSM-MAP core network, the RNC determines at step S43 whether theconnected core network is a synchronous ANSI-41 core network.

[0220] If the connected core network is the synchronous ANSI-41 corenetwork, the RNC activates a synchronous CC part and a synchronous MMpart for MC at step S44 and then sets the core network operating typeinformation CN Type corresponding to the detected core network operatingtype at step S45. For example, if the connected core network is thesynchronous ANSI-41 core network, the RNC sets the CN Type informationas “ANSI-41”.

[0221] Subsequently, the RNC inserts the set CN Type information and theinformation related to core network respectively into specific fields ofa system information message at step S46.

[0222] Herein, the CN Type information and the information related tocore network are inserted into the MIB in the system informationmessage. FIGS. 10C and 10D are views showing a format of the MIB inwhich the CN Type information and information related to core networkare written in accordance with the present invention.

[0223] In FIGS. 10C and 10D, other fields except for fields containingCN information elements are the same as those in the conventional systeminformation message shown in FIG. 7B and a detailed description thereofwill thus be omitted. The CN Type information and information related tocore network are written in the CN information element fields. Becauseit is determined at the above step S43 that the connected core networkis the synchronous ANSI-41 core network, “ANSI-41” is written in the CNType information field and ANSI-41 information elements are written inthe information related to core network field. Herein, the ANSI-41information elements are P_REV, MIN_P_REV, SID and NID information.

[0224] Thereafter, the RNC sends the system information message havingthe MIB to the asynchronous terminal over the BCCH at step S47 and thenperforms a message interfacing operation between the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal and the core network at step S48.

[0225] On the other hand, upon receiving the above system informationmessage over the BCCH, the hybrid type asynchronous terminal sets itsprotocol through a procedure of FIG. 12B to perform an interfacingoperation with the core network.

[0226] Namely, upon being powered on, the hybrid type asynchronousterminal selects a PLMN where it is located, on the basis of a PLMN liststored in its memory at step S51. Then, the hybrid type asynchronousterminal selects a cell in the selected PLMN with which it canefficiently communicate, at step S52, and receives a system informationmessage as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B or 10C and 10D over a BCCH at stepS53.

[0227] At step S54, the hybrid type asynchronous terminal extracts themaster information block (MIB) from the received system informationmessage and analyzes CN Type information in the extracted MIB.

[0228] The hybrid type asynchronous terminal determines at step S55whether the CN Type information is “GSM-MAP” and proceeds to step S56 ifthe CN Type information is “GSM-MAP”. At step S56, the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal analyzes the information elements related to corenetwork as those for the GSM-MAP core network and stores a desired one,a PLMN identity, of them in its memory.

[0229] Thereafter, at step S57, the asynchronous terminal selects anasynchronous CC part and an asynchronous MM part for the GSM-MAP networkand sets a protocol therebetween. Subsequently, the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal carries out its initialization based on thecontents of the information elements related to core network at step S58and then performs a message interfacing operation with the GSM-MAP corenetwork at step S59.

[0230] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined at theabove step S55 that the CN Type information is not “GSM-MAP”, the hybridtype asynchronous terminal determines at step S60 whether the CN Typeinformation is “ANSI-41” and proceeds to step S61 if the CN Typeinformation is “ANSI-41”.

[0231] At step S61, the hybrid type asynchronous terminal analyzes theinformation elements related to the core network as those for theANSI-41 core network and stores desired ones of them in its memory. Thestored information elements are SID, NID, MIN_P_REV and P_REVinformation.

[0232] Thereafter, at step S62, the hybrid type asynchronous terminalselects a synchronous CC part and a synchronous MM part for the ANSI-41network and sets a protocol therebetween. Subsequently, the hybrid typeasynchronous terminal carries out its initialization based on thecontents of the core network related information elements at step S63and then performs a message interfacing operation with the ANSI-41 corenetwork at step S64.

[0233] As apparent from the above description, according to the presentinvention, even though a hybrid type synchronous or asynchronousterminal is connected to either a GSM-MAP core network or an ANSI-41core network, it can smoothly be interfaced with the connected corenetwork because it is able to recognize the operating type of theconnected core network and information related to the core network.

[0234] Further, new information elements (CN Type information andinformation related to core network) are simply added to a Sync channelmessage used in an existing synchronous radio network, in other words,changes or modifications of existing information elements in the Syncchannel message are minimized. Therefore, the hybrid type synchronousradio network can readily notify a hybrid type synchronous terminal ofthe operating type of a connected core network, and a synchronous systemsubscriber can be provided with a service from an asynchronous GSM-MAPcore network.

[0235] Moreover, new information elements, i.e., CN Type information andinformation related to core network, are added to a system informationmessage used in an asynchronous system having an existing asynchronousradio network, without modifying existing information elements in thesystem information message. Therefore, the hybrid type asynchronousradio network can readily notify a hybrid type asynchronous terminal ofthe operating type of a connected core network, and an asynchronoussystem subscriber can be provided with a service from a synchronousANSI-41 core network.

[0236] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionas disclosed in the accompanying claims.

1-249. (canceled)
 250. A method for interfacing between a terminal and abase station connected to a core network, wherein the terminal has ahybrid operating type being possible to be set as either a synchronousoperating type or an asynchronous operating type and the core networkare a ANSI-41 operating type, said method comprising the steps of: a)providing the terminal with a message including a core network operatingtype information representing an operating type of a core network. 251.The method as recited in claim 250, wherein the step a) includes thesteps of: a1) storing a core network operating type information in astorage device; and a2) reading the core network operating typeinformation stored on a storage device during a time period ofinitialization of the radio network.
 252. The method as recited in claim251, wherein the storage device includes a dip switch for designatingthe operating type of the core network.
 253. The method as recited inclaim 251, wherein the storage device includes a memory for storing theoperating type of the core network.
 254. The method as recited in claim253, wherein the memory is a read only memory (ROM).
 255. The method asrecited in claim 250, wherein the step a) includes the steps of: a1)inserting the core network operating type information into the message;and a2) transmitting the message to the terminal through a predeterminedchannel.
 256. The method as recited in claim 255, wherein thepredetermined channel is a synchronous channel.
 257. The method asrecited in claim 255, wherein, in said step a1), the core networkoperating type information is periodically inserted into the message.258. The method as recited in claim 250, wherein the message includes amaster information block.
 259. The method as recited in claim 250,wherein the message includes a system information message.
 260. Themethod as recited in claim 250, wherein the message is represented by:INFORMATION IE TYPE AND SEMANTICS ELEMENT PRESENCE MULTI REFERENCEDESCRIPTION OTHER INFORMATION ELEMENTS MIB VALUE TAG M REFERENCES TO 1..<MAX SYS OTHER SYSTEM INFO BLOCK INFORMATION COUNT> BLOCKS >SCHEDULING MINFORMATION CN INFORMATION ELEMENTS CN TYPE M ANSI-41 ANSI-41 C-ANSIINFORMATION ELEMENTS CONDITION EXPLANATION GSM THIS INFORMATION ELEMENTSHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAPAND ANSI-41”) ANSI THIS INFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CNTYPE == “ANSI-41”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP AND ANSI-41”)


261. An apparatus for interfacing between a terminal and a base stationconnected to a core network, wherein the terminal has a hybrid operatingtype being possible to be set as either a synchronous operating type oran asynchronous operating type and the core network are an ANSI-41operating type, said apparatus comprising: a first storage device forstoring core network operating type information representing anoperating type of a core network; extraction block for reading the corenetwork operating type information during a time period ofinitialization of the radio network; and messaging block for providingthe terminal with the core network operating type information containedin a message through a predetermined channel.
 262. The apparatus asrecited in claim 261, further comprising a second storage device,contained in the terminal, for storing the recognized operating type ofthe core network.
 263. The apparatus as recited in claim 261, whereinthe detection block includes: receiver block for receiving the masterinformation block having the core network operating type information;and extraction block for extracting the core network operating typeinformation from the received master information block.
 264. Theapparatus as recited in claim 261, wherein the first storage deviceincludes a dip-switch for designating the operating type of the corenetwork.
 265. The apparatus as recited in claim 261, wherein the firststorage device includes a memory for storing the operating type of thecore network.
 266. The apparatus as recited in claim 265, wherein thememory is a read only memory (ROM)
 267. The apparatus as recited inclaim 261, wherein the master information block is represented by:INFORMATION IE TYPE AND SEMANTICS ELEMENT PRESENCE MULTI REFERENCEDESCRIPTION OTHER INFORMATION ELEMENTS MIB VALUE TAG M REFERENCES TO 1..<MAX SYS OTHER SYSTEM INFO BLOCK INFORMATION COUNT> BLOCKS >SCHEDULING MINFORMATION CN INFORMATION ELEMENTS CN TYPE M ANSI-41 ANSI-41 C-ANSIINFORMATION ELEMENTS CONDITION EXPLANATION GSM THIS INFORMATION ELEMENTSHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAPAND ANSI-41”) ANSI THIS INFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CNTYPE == “ANSI-41”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP AND ANSI-41”)


268. The apparatus as recited in claim 261, wherein the messaging block:inserts the core network operating type information into the masterinformation block; and provides the terminal with the master informationblock through a predetermined channel.
 269. The apparatus as recited inclaim 268, wherein the predetermined channel is a synchronous channel.270. The apparatus as recited in claim 268, wherein the core networkoperating type information is periodically inserted into the masterinformation block.
 271. A method for interfacing between a terminal anda base station connected to a core network, wherein the terminal has ahybrid operating type being possible to be set as either a synchronousoperating type or an asynchronous operating type and the core network isan ANSI-41 and GSM-MAP operating type, said method comprising the stepsof: a) providing the terminal with a message including a core networkoperating type information representing an operating type of a corenetwork.
 272. The method as recited in claim 271, wherein the step a)includes the steps of: a1) storing a core network operating typeinformation in a storage device; and a2) reading the core networkoperating type information stored on a storage device during a timeperiod of initialization of the radio network.
 273. The method asrecited in claim 272, wherein the storage device includes a dip switchfor designating the operating type of the core network.
 274. The methodas recited in claim 272, wherein the storage device includes a memoryfor storing the operating type of the core network.
 275. The method asrecited in claim 274, wherein the memory is a read only memory (ROM).276. The method as recited in claim 271, wherein the step a) includesthe steps of: a1) inserting the core network operating type informationinto the message; and a2) transmitting the message to the terminalthrough a predetermined channel.
 277. The method as recited in claim276, wherein the predetermined channel is a synchronous channel. 278.The method as recited in claim 276, wherein, in said step a1), the corenetwork operating type information is periodically inserted into themessage.
 279. The method as recited in claim 271, wherein the messageincludes a master information block.
 280. The method as recited in claim271, wherein the message includes a system information message.
 281. Themethod as recited in claim 271, wherein the message is represented by:INFORMATION IE TYPE AND SEMANTICS ELEMENT PRESENCE MULTI REFERENCEDESCRIPTION OTHER INFORMATION ELEMENTS MIB VALUE TAG M REFERENCES TO 1..<MAX OTHER SYSTEM SYS INFO INFORMATION BLOCK BLOCKS COUNT> >SCHEDULING MINFORMATION CN INFORMATION ELEMENTS CN TYPE M GSM-MAP PLMN IDENTITYC-GSM CONDITION EXPLANATION GSM THIS INFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BEPRESENT IN CASE (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP ANDANSI-41”) ANSI THIS INFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CNTYPE == “ANSI-41”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP AND ANSI-41”)


282. An apparatus for interfacing between a terminal and a base stationconnected to a core network, wherein the terminal has a hybrid operatingtype being possible to be set as either a synchronous operating type oran asynchronous operating type and the core network is an ANSI-41 andGSM-MAP operating type, said apparatus comprising: a storage device forstoring core network operating type information representing anoperating type of a core network; extraction block for reading the corenetwork operating type information during a time period ofinitialization of the radio network; and messaging block for providingthe terminal with the core network operating type information containedin a message through a predetermined channel.
 283. The apparatus asrecited in claim 282, wherein the storage device includes a dip-switchfor designating the operating type of the core network.
 284. Theapparatus as recited in claim 282, wherein the storage device includes amemory for storing the operating type of the core network.
 285. Theapparatus as recited in claim 284, wherein the memory is a read onlymemory (ROM).
 286. The apparatus as recited in claim 282, wherein themessaging block: inserts the core network operating type informationinto the master information block; and provides the terminal with themaster information block through a predetermined channel.
 287. Theapparatus as recited in claim 286, wherein the predetermined channel isa synchronous channel.
 288. The apparatus as recited in claim 286,wherein the core network operating type information is periodicallyinserted into the master information block.
 289. The apparatus asrecited in claim 282, wherein the message includes a master informationblock.
 290. The apparatus as recited in claim 282, wherein the messageincludes a system information message.
 291. The apparatus as recited inclaim 282, wherein the message is represented by: INFORMATION IE TYPEAND SEMANTICS ELEMENT PRESENCE MULTI REFERENCE DESCRIPTION OTHERINFORMATION ELEMENTS MIB VALUE TAG M REFERENCES TO 1.. <MAX OTHER SYSTEMSYS INFO INFORMATION BLOCK BLOCKS COUNT> >SCHEDULING M INFORMATION CNINFORMATION ELEMENTS CN TYPE M GSM-MAP PLMN IDENTITY C-GSM CONDITIONEXPLANATION GSM THIS INFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CNTYPE == “GSM-MAP”) OR (CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP AND ANSI-41”) ANSI THISINFORMATION ELEMENT SHALL BE PRESENT IN CASE (CN TYPE == “ANSI-41”) OR(CN TYPE == “GSM-MAP AND ANSI-41”)